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Delius Settles Down at Grez-sur-Loing

Donald Macleod focuses on Delius's complex relationship with his wife, Jelka.

Celebrating the 150th year since the composer's birth, Donald Macleod is joined by the violinist Tasmin Little, and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, to discuss the life and music of Frederick Delius.

By 1903, Delius agreed to marry Jelka Rosen and settle down at Grez-sur-Loing, giving up his Paris flat where he met other women. The garden and landscape at Grez was reflected in many works Delius composed there, such as Summer Night on the River. Julian Lloyd Webber and Tamin Little discuss the rather complicated relationships within the household at Grez, believing that Jelka, contrary to popular belief, really did rule the roost.

About a year after his marriage, Delius began his large scale work for soloists, chorus and orchestra, based on the writings of Nietzsche - A Mass of Life. Performances of Delius's works were gradually taking place more far afield, in Norway, Germany and England, and in 1907 Delius met the conductor Thomas Beecham, who would prove to be one of his biggest advocates. But soon Europe would be plunged into the First World War, and Delius and Jelka would flee Grez for England. During this war period, Delius composed his Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, which Tasmin Little calls a 'Love Concerto'.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Frederick Delius

    Badinage

    Performer: Charles ABRAMOVIC - Piano

    • DIRECT TO TAPE.
    • DTR-2001.
  • Frederick Delius

    A Mass of life RT.2.4 for soli, chorus and orchestra

    Conductor: Richard HICKOX Performer: Jean RIGBY - Mezzo-soprano Performer: Joan RODGERS - Soprano Performer: Nigel ROBSON - Tenor Performer: Peter COLEMAN-WRIGHT - Baritone Performer: Bournemouth S O Performer: Bournemouth Symphony Chorus Performer: Waynflete Singers

    • CHANDOS.
    • CHAN-9515.
  • Frederick Delius

    On Craig Dhu RT.4.2 for chorus

    Conductor: Matthew GREENHALL Performer: Elysian Singers Of London

    • CONTINUUM.
    • CCD 10-54.
  • Frederick Delius

    Summer night on the river RT.6.19 for small orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: 91Èȱ¬ S O.

    • TELDEC.
    • 4509- 90845-2.
  • Frederick Delius

    Concerto RT.7.5 for violin, cello and orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Paul WATKINS - Cello Performer: Tasmin LITTLE - Violin Performer: 91Èȱ¬ S O.

    • CHANDOS.
    • CHAN-5094.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 12 Apr 2012 12:00
  • Thu 12 Apr 2012 18:30

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